Diego Maradona has lavished praise on Leo Messi but insisted that he remains the greatest player of all time.

Maradona has often spoken of his hope that Messi can emulate him, but also has a rivalry with Pele, who is considered by many to be the main rival for the former Argentine international for the title of 'best player of all time'.

“For me, he (Messi) is a great player, but I believe that I have been the greatest,” said Maradona.

“I hope that Messi can give Argentina the World Cup, but it will not be easy because he is known. In the last match against Milan, they built a cage for him.”